Early fitting in cochlear implant surgery: preliminary results.

PURPOSE: Cochlear implants are usually activated 3-5 weeks after surgery; to date, no universal protocol exists regarding switch on and fitting of these devices. The aim of the study was to assess safety and functional results of activation and fitting of cochlear implant within 24 h following surgery. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, 15 adult patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery, for a total of 20 cochlear implant procedures were analyzed. In particular, clinical safety and feasibility were investigated by examinating patients at activation and at each follow-up. Values of electrodes' impedance and most comfortable loudness (MCL) were analyzed from the time of surgery to 12 months after activation. Free-field pure tone average (PTA) was also recorded. RESULTS: No major or minor complications were reported and all patients could perform the early fitting. Activation modality influenced impedance values only in the short term but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Mean MCL values in the early fitting group were lower than MCL of the late fitting in all follow-up sessions, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean PTA was lower in the early fitting group but the difference was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Early fitting of cochlear implants is safe, allows for an early rehabilitation and can have possible beneficial effects on stimulation levels and dynamic range.

Dermoid Cyst of the retroauricular region: a rare clinicopathological entity.

Dermoid cysts (DC) of the head and neck are rare congenital anomalies derived from entrapment of ectodermal cells at lines of fusion in the embryo into mesoderm. We describe a 22-years-old female with an unusual presentation of DC in the subcutaneous tissue of the retro-auricular region, confirmed by pathological examination of the surgically removed specimen. A DC in this region is rare and may be misdiagnosed as a retroauricular lymph node. Complete excision of the lesion must be achieved with pathology study to confirm diagnosis.